A 1970s Czech Exbor ‘Amoeba’ glass vase, designed by Ladislav Oliva

Description

Although made using historic techniques, this design from around 1968 reverses the traditional production process. Typically, a piece would be cased in another colour, and that outer casing would be cut through into the body with the design. Here, everything else but the pattern itself is cut.  A large glass gob was overlaid with a thin layer of lime green coloured glass and blown into a mould with the raised biomorphic pattern inside one side. When cool, the top and bottom and the four flat sides were cut and polished.  As the raised mould impressed the coloured glass into the pattern, it is not removed when the final form is cut.

This vase was from a range of rectilinear vases and jardinières that also included geometric, grid like patterns. Colours included light blue, golden yellow, green tones, the pinky-red ‘gold ruby’, and purple. Inspiration was undoubtedly taken from modern art movements of the time, such as Pop art and Op art, and the works of Victor Vasarely or, earlier, Piet Mondrian.

The production of modern art was banned as it did not promote the Communist ideal and was deemed decadent, subversive, and even useless by the authorities. Despite this, the régime did not see glass as a medium that could convey a social or ideological message, so artists were free to pursue modern, abstract styles in glass. This amoeba-like design is harder to find than the grid pattern, this green colour is very rare, and this smaller proportioned and size is also very scarce. The base is nicely marked with the acid-etched circular Exbor stamp.

6.3in (16cm) high.

Condition
Excellent original vintage condition with no chips. Clearly and cleanly marked on the base with the acid-stamp.

Literature

Sklo Ladislav Olivy, by Petr Novy & Milan Hlaves, published by Roman Karpas in 2019.

Czechoslovak Glass Review, published by Artia. This range was featured in a number of issues of the state trade and export periodical.

Hi Sklo Lo Sklo: Postwar Czech Glass Design from Masterpiece to Mass-Produced, by Mark Hill, published by Mark Hill Publishing Ltd in 2008, p118.

Sklo: Czech Glass Design From The 1950s-70s, by Mark Hill, published by Mark Hill Publishing Ltd in 2017, pages 166-167

Shipping
Postage and packing is free within the UK. If you live outside the UK, please contact me to obtain a shipping quote. I pack and ship at cost, and do not make any money from this service. Items are sent via Royal Mail signed and tracked services, but I am happy to use another service at your request.